Every December, The Print Center hosts one of Philadelphia’s most exciting art-world traditions — its annual Benefit Auction, a celebration that blends world-class printmaking, community, and a chance to collect museum-quality work while supporting one of the city’s oldest cultural institutions. This year’s auction feels especially meaningful: it marks The Print Center’s 110th birthday and honors two powerful figures in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape — Councilmember Rue Landau and artist Gabriel Martínez.
If you’re an art lover, a collector, or someone who simply wants to be more plugged into Philadelphia’s creative heart, here’s your insider look at everything happening this season — how to preview the pieces, how the bidding works, and why this Benefit is such an essential part of the city’s cultural ecosystem.
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In honor of our 110th birthday!
Make a 100% tax deductible gift in support of The Print Center’s 110th birthday. Donations of any size are welcome and deeply appreciated! –> Donate!
Why The Print Center’s Auction Matters
Let’s start with the basics: this isn’t just another fundraiser. The Print Center’s auction directly supports:
- Free exhibitions
- Public programs
- Educational initiatives
- Community art access
The Print Center has spent more than a century championing printmaking and photography. Whether you’ve been attending their shows for decades or you’re discovering the organization for the first time, this event gives you a front-row seat to some of the most exciting visual art being created today — while helping support its future.
What Makes This Year’s Auction Special
The 2025 Benefit honors two remarkable individuals whose work has shaped Philadelphia’s cultural and civic life:
Councilmember Rue Landau
The first openly LGBTQ+ member of City Council and a lifelong advocate for civil rights, economic justice, and fair housing. Her decades of service — from Community Legal Services to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations — have strengthened protections for thousands of Philadelphians.
Gabriel Martínez
An acclaimed photo-based artist and educator whose work has been featured at institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fabric Workshop and Museum, ICA, and key queer cultural organizations across the country. His career-long dedication to themes within queer and Latinx communities has earned him national recognition, including a Pew Fellowship and a Joan Mitchell Foundation Fellowship.
Honoring these two voices underscores what The Print Center does best — championing both artistic excellence and social impact.
Auction Dates & How Bidding Works
The Benefit Auction runs November 22 at noon through December 7, with bidding closing in timed increments starting at 3 pm ET. Powered by Indy.Auction of The Auction Collective, the platform makes it simple to browse, register, and bid from anywhere. BID HERE!
Expect an impressive lineup. This year features work from major contemporary artists including:
- Kiki Smith
- Stephen Powers (ESPO)
- Wendel A. White
- Cecilia Paredes
- Shawn Theodore
- Sebastiaan Bremer
- Kate Breakey
…and dozens more established and emerging artists who have donated their work in support of The Print Center.
If you’ve ever wanted to start or expand an art collection, this is one of the most accessible places to do it.
How to Preview the Artwork
You don’t have to wait until bidding opens to get familiar with the pieces. The Print Center offers several preview opportunities:
Emerging Collectors Preview — Dec 2, 5–7pm
Hosted by philly has heART, this event is ideal for new collectors. You’ll get to see the works in person and hear directly from artists about their process. RSVP is required, but it’s free. RSVP HERE!
Public Previews — Dec 3–5, 11am–5pm
Open to everyone. Walk through The Print Center’s galleries and view every artwork up for bid. This is one of the best ways to get a feel for scale, texture, and detail — things that online photos can’t capture.
VIP Preview — Dec 4, 5–7pm
For Honorary Benefit Committee members and sponsors only. Enjoy bubbles and small bites while touring the artwork with Executive Director Liz Spungen, Jensen Bryan Curator Lauren Rosenblum, and select participating artists.
If you want a more intimate collecting experience, joining the Honorary Benefit Committee comes with real perks. Email benefit@printcenter.org for more information.
The Benefit Celebration — December 6
This is the heart of the event. The Benefit Celebration is where the community comes together to honor the awardees, toast to The Print Center’s 110 years, and of course, bid.
There are two ticket levels:
- 5pm Champagne Reception – $150
Bubbly, cocktails, and a festive kickoff to the night. - 6pm General Entry – $75 in advance ($90 day of)
Open bar, bites, and the iconic Polaroid portrait moment — a favorite tradition.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who simply loves Philadelphia’s arts community, this night is designed to be joyful, welcoming, and energizing.
Artists, Donors, and Sponsors: The Community Behind the Event
One of the most inspiring things about the Benefit is how many people and organizations come together to support it:
Participating artists: Over 80 artists spanning photography, printmaking, mixed media, and experimental practices.
Donors: City Planter, Hotel Palomar, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Rescue Spa, Chanticleer Gardens, The Clay Studio, and more.
Sponsors & committee members: A wide network of cultural leaders, collectors, and community members who help make the event possible.
The Benefit is a snapshot of Philadelphia’s creative ecosystem — collaborative, generous, and full of talent.
Why You Should Consider Bidding (Even If You’re New to Collecting)
Collecting art can feel intimidating, but The Print Center’s auction breaks down the barriers. Here’s what makes it a smart entry point:
- Wide range of price points
- Museum-quality artists
- Pieces you won’t find on the market
- Payment plans available
- Money directly supports arts programming
Plus, owning work from artists connected to Philadelphia’s creative history adds meaning beyond the artwork itself.
A Note from Sponsor & Local Arts Advocate Marc Silver
This year’s Benefit also has a personal connection for me. As a longtime Fishtown resident, Compass real estate agent, and working musician, I’m proud to be one of the sponsors supporting The Print Center’s 110th Birthday Celebration and Benefit Auction. Philadelphia’s creative community has shaped my life for more than two decades, and The Print Center’s commitment to uplifting artists, educators, and cultural voices is something I deeply believe in. Supporting this event is one way I can help ensure that the arts continue to thrive here for generations to come.
The Print Center’s December Auction is more than an art sale — it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the people who push Philadelphia’s cultural life forward. Whether you’re planning to bid, preview, or simply join the celebration, you’ll be stepping into an event that honors a century of artistic impact and charts the next 110 years.
For details, bidding, or tickets, visit The Print Center website here https://printcenter.org/100/benefit-2025/ or at 1614 Latimer Street, Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–6pm.
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